“Innately I think we are good at that here in Ireland, but with the structures of the Red Carnation company behind us, we are really able to share that with our guests.

“Our staff are of the hotel, many of them of have been here for two, three, or four generations, with the estate in its many guises.”

This is evident in the attention shown to guests.

Each member of staff is attentive, engaged and full of ideas on how to improve a stay; different to the stiff, formal procedures which can characterise hotels at this level.

Staff at Ashford carry out their duties in a genuine, friendly manner; it is as though - as the cliché goes - they really are welcoming you to their own home.

If you can drag yourself away from your room there is plenty on offer to guests.

This is not a museum, the place fairly buzzes with activity, with children running through the corridors and the reception a hive of bustling action as guests prepare for their next adventure.

There are as many as 21 activities available, with everything from tree climbing, archery, and horse riding to fishing and a round on the nine-hole golf course on offer to guests.

Only having two days, we opted for falconry and clay pigeon shooting – both were superb.

While other hotels might present these excursions as a group activity, Ashford Castle allows guests to enjoy them as a private event, with staff giving you there undivided attention.

Walking through the woodland surrounding the castle as part of the falconry expedition is a real chance to get back to nature, with the birds soaring overhead searching for prey.

Our guide is knowledgeable, friendly and clearly has a real love for her work at the falconry school.

Illustrating just how close the castle is to the local community, clay pigeon shooting doesn’t start until after mass in the local churches.

It’s well worth the wait however, with the sound of the shells rolling out over the surrounding countryside.

Again we enjoyed the activity as part of our own small group, making it possible to really get to grips with the guns – though hitting the targets is far from easy!

Fine cuisine is of course the order of the day at a property of this magnitude and the George V dining room doesn’t disappoint.

While dinner jackets are a must, the atmosphere is again far from stuffy.

Families are welcomed alongside courting couples to the graceful restaurant where twinkling Waterford Crystal chandeliers gaze down upon guests.

Acclaimed chef Philippe Farineau combines his many talents with the much loved recipes of Beatrice Tollman, to create a unique banquet for guests.

Next door The Prince of Wales Bar is just as one would imagine it would be in an Irish castle.

Built in the late 1800s, the bar is reminiscent of its captivating past, with its opulent fabrics, fine wood panelling, and original fireplace creating a warm and welcoming ambience – the perfect place to enjoy a glass of peaty Irish whisky.

With the hotel renovated, staff in place, activities aplenty and world-class dining on offer, it seems Ashford has everything in place.

But it is the luxurious flourishes which really make the stay.

A liveried driver greets you at the airport ahead of a drive of just less than an hour to the castle; polite, discreet, and lavish.

A decanter of sherry awaits guests on the sprawling desk in the room, a real fire is lit in the hearth as part of the turndown service, and two gigantic Irish wolfhounds - Garvin and Cronin – greet guests on arrival.

It is things like this that separate the hotel from the pack.

At Ashford Castle, a dream to create the best hotel of its kind in the world has been realised.

More Information

The magnificent Ashford Castle is set in 350 acres, on the picturesque shores of Lough Corrib.

Dating back to 1228, the castle now enters a new chapter in its history, as part of The Red Carnation Hotel Collection.

With 83 spectacular rooms, suites and a Lakeside Cottage, a wealth of activities and plenty of thoughtful touches, guests will enjoy acclaimed Irish hospitality on a grand scale.

Rooms at Ashford Castle start from €335 for a double room, on a bed and breakfast basis.